There it is: an exposed-log home with a cedar-shake awning, flower boxes under its second-story windows and flower- pot sentries at the front entrance.


The house, which is along a downtown Lancaster street looks “nurtured,” and I just love it. For all these years, though, I never even noticed that building tucked between so many others.


It’s amazing how your perspective changes when you get out of the car or the office, and get into a healthy stride.


Here at Living, I work with two walkers. Steve lives in the city and walks to work in the morning; walks home for lunch and back to work; and then walks home again.

Patricia arrives at the office with her briefcase, and with the walking shoes she needs for her daily midday two-mile circuit.


I, on the other hand, have always been too “busy” for a walk during work hours. So many details to think about. Too many people to please. Gotta do this. Gotta do that. No time. No time at all.


If I’m going to take a walk, it’s going to be after-hours, after I go back to my suburban home.


But that kind of thinking was absurd. A brisk walk and some fresh air to break up the day, I knew, would actually help me to be more productive; it would help defuse the stress. And, so, an afternoon walk has become a new addition to my work day.


I have only a few walk-related gripes. Cigarette butts and food wrappers that litter sidewalks. Vehicle exhaust fumes. The occasional Loud Singer Passerby, who has no potential, ever, to be an American Idol. And, while I might be on a “break” from work, the editor in me sighs every time I pass an art-supply store advertising its “stationary.”


For the most part, though, it’s fun to experience the city up-close. Well-dressed storefront windows. Ornate wrought-iron balcony rails and window grilles. Incredible architecture. What history these Lancaster properties hold!


The city is home to gorgeous churches and temples; diverse restaurants, markets and boutiques; industrial, service and entertainment venues; and mostly friendly people.


I delight at the sight of the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design students as they amble toward their school or relax in the little corner park across the street. Young. Creative. Some preppy. Some punk. They are making, and will make, our community a more interesting place to live and work.


And on those walks, I notice Lancaster’s trees ­— so many trees framing our urban roadways; I can hardly wait for them to bud.


By the time I get back to the office, I feel refreshed. So much work to do? Challenges? People to please? No time? “Solvitur ambulando.”


It is solved by walking.




Anne Koenig is editor of the Living section. Write to her at akoenig@lnpnews.com..500 blog comments powered by Disqus